Skin Elasticity and Its Role in Arm Sculpting Surgery

A key factor in arm sculpting surgery is skin elasticity. It’s very important when having any type of liposuction. Why is it so essential? Read on to find out.

What Does Skin Elasticity Mean?

The term “skin elasticity” describes how well the skin can stretch and return to its normal state. Elastin and collagen determine elasticity levels. These are two naturally occurring proteins in your skin. Skin that has a high level of both proteins will be firmer, plumper, and will look more youthful.

When we get older, elastin and collagen production slows down. The proteins that are already in the skin start to deteriorate because of elastosis. Without the proteins, skin elasticity declines. The fiber networks under the epidermis start to loosen. When the skin has a low elasticity level, it will be laxer. This will cause wrinkles and lines, as well as sagging, to develop.

How Will Skin Elasticity Affect Arm Sculpting Liposuction?

Skin that has a higher level of elasticity will produce the best liposuction results. This is especially important in areas that are prone to laxity, such as the batwing area. The skin needs to be able to retract into position after liposuction’s contouring effects.

When doctors remove fat from beneath the skin of patients who have poor skin elasticity, the results can be poor. The procedure can destabilize the skin’s underlying framework even more. It can, therefore, worsen your body’s appearance rather than improve it. The skin may appear droopy and loose when there is no more fat. An individual with poor skin elasticity in her arms may benefit from a brachioplasty rather than arm sculpting lipo.

Is My Skin Elasticity Good?

Highly elastic skin will retract normally after being stretched. Skin with poor elasticity stays in the wrong place. In your consultation for arm sculpting surgery, your surgeon may carry out a pinch test. This involves pinching the skin and holding it for five seconds, then seeing how long it takes to retract normally. The longer your skin takes to go back to normal, the lower its elasticity and the greater its laxity.

Can I Improve My Skin’s Elasticity?

There are several things you can try to slow the process of elastosis and make your skin’s elasticity better. These include:

Use sun protection products when outdoors. Use a high SPF sunscreen and stay indoors during the hours of peak UV rays. Wear UV-proof clothes and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.

Quit smoking. This helps make your skin more elastic, so you’ll be a better candidate for lipo.

Seeking Professional Advice

If you aren’t sure whether your skin elasticity is good enough for liposuction, contact our team today. Dr. Su is an expert in the field of liposuction. He can produce excellent results with his Celebrity Arms technique. He can even ensure good retraction in moderately lax skin. However, for some people, a brachioplasty will be a better solution. This surgery will remove the fat and the excess skin for a smooth, taut result.

The only way to be sure whether you’re a good candidate for arm sculpting surgery is to seek professional advice. Our friendly team can answer all your questions and arrange your first consultation. Give us a call today to start your journey toward beautiful arms.

Dr. Hamwi is an aesthetic plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgical and non-invasive procedures. After completing residencies in both plastic surgery and general surgery as well as a fellowship at Harvard University, Dr. Hamwi then went on to pursue an aesthetic surgery fellowship at one of the country’s most competitive programs in Manhattan, New York. Less than one percent of plastic surgeons have completed such specialized training.